Will Charlie Dempsey regret not paying up?

No Quarter Catch Crew didn’t wanna cough up the dough, so now Tony D’s coming for it all! Will he take the Heritage Cup home to The D’Angelo Family? Or will Charlie tell Tony to FOGEDABOUTIT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Sol Ruca VS Izzi Dame; Sol wins and advances to NXT Battleground: Las Vegas.
• Malik Blade & Edris Enofe w/ Brinley Reece VS OTM w/ Jaida Parker; OTM wins.
• NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Ivy Nile VS Lash Legend; Lash wins and advances to NXT Battleground: Las Vegas.
• Noam Dar Oro Mensah w/ The Meta Four VS Je’Von Evans; Evans wins.
• The Good Brothers VS Ridge Holland & Riley Osborne w/ Chase U; The Good Brothers win.
• Lola Vice w/ Shayna Baszler VS Carlee Bright; Lola wins.
• NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Charlie Dempsey; Tony wins and becomes the new NXT Heritage Cup Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Someone was attacked backstage!

Noam Dar is down!? Oro, Jakara and Lash all rush in, and Oro claims this was Trick Williams’ retaliation! Lash says Trick wouldn’t do this! Then who would? Dar glares at Lash, and he doesn’t look all that hurt. But then he really pours it on when he gets checked out. Is the Scottish Supernova trying to fish out Lash’s loyalties with this ruse?

Kiana James talks with Izzi Dame backstage.

So drinks next week? Kiana read Izzi’s mind. But in all seriousness, is Izzi ready? So ready. Kiana says there’s a reason she befriended Izzi and no one else. Just look at her! She is a superstar! Well, she learned from the best. Kiana vows to run Raw, and she wants Izzi to run NXT. Damn right she will. Kiana tells Izzi to go out there and win, and Izzi thanks Kiana for everything. Will nothing stop the Dame from dominating?

Sol Ruca speaks.

“I ranked number ONE in the Combine, and I’m gonna ride that wave straight to Vegas, up that ladder, and become your first-ever NXT Women’s North American Champion, baby! Let’s go!” Sol handstand walks her way to gorilla, then down the ramp! But will she be hands down the favorite going into Battleground?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Sol Ruca VS Izzi Dame!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, Sol and Izzi tie up, and Izzi headlocks. Sol powers up and powers out, but Izzi runs her over! Izzi pushes Sol around, runs, but Sol drops, then runs Izzi over! The fans fire up and things speed up. Sol waistlocks, Izzi fights free and wrenches to a wristlock. Izzi steps over, dribbles Sol, but Sol fights up. Sol rolls but Izzi throws her down by her hair! Izzi has the armlock, but Sol endures and fights up. The fans rally, Sol kips up and then cartwheels to slip under and back drop Izzi away! Izzi goes to a corner, Sol runs in but Izzi dodges. Izzi blocks a boot but Sol ENZIGIRIS!

Sol mule kicks, goes up, and FLIPPING AX KICKS! Izzi bails out, Sol goes to the apron, and she handsprings over the leg sweep! And the other sweep! PENALTY KICK! And then Izzi goes up the corner to QUEBRADA! Direct hit and down goes Izzi! The fans fire up, Sol puts Izzi in and covers, TWO! Sol brings Izzi up but Izzi blocks the whip. Izzi reverses but Sol goes up. Izzi stops Sol from going over, and THROWS her out! Sol hits steel steps on the way down! Izzi storms out after Sol, whips her into the apron, then ONTO the desk! The fans fire up, Izzi talks trash, then Izzi shoves Sol back into the ring.

Izzi storms into the ring, scoops and BACKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO! Izzi clamps onto Sol with a chinlock and she pulls Sol back! The fans rally as Sol endures and pries at the hold. Sol fights up, arm-drags free, and then gets around to fireman’s carry! Izzi slips free, shoves, and FLAPJACKS Sol! Izzi runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Izzi is frustrated but she clamps right back onto Sol with the chinlock. Sol endures, the fans rally, and Sol stands up. Izzi whips her to a corner, Sol bounces off buckles, but slips out of the scoop! Sol ELBOWS Izzi, then ducks the boot! Sol runs Izzi over again, and again! Sol springboards to FLYIGN SHOULDER!

The fans fire up as Sol wrenches Izzi, fireman’s carries, and DROPS her! Then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Sol goes to the apron and springboards, but has to roll through as Izzi moves! Izzi comes back, Sol ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Izzi back drops her! Sol flips through to land on her feet! Not the cleanest landing but Izzi runs up, to BOOT Sol down! Cover, TWO! Sol survives and Izzi is furious! Sol goes to a corner, Izzi runs up and RAMS into her! Izzi RAMS into Sol again and again, then whips corner to corner. Sol goes up, but Izzi stops her from going over again! Izzi pops Sol up, but the SOL SNATCHER gets her!! Cover, Sol wins!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (advances to NXT Battleground)

Izzi thought she had it, but she gets snatched outta nowhere! Sol is riding the wave just like she promised, but will she be the first to get the title?

Ava Raine talks with someone.

The tag match doesn’t count now because Tony D’Angelo got involved. You can’t just take a referee like that! Where are Damon & Myles anyway? Tony says no one took a referee. They had a case of bronchitis. Very contagious. And as far as Myles & Damon… No idea. Where are they? Stacks says they don’t know. Those two went wherever they wanted to go. But Tony says Ava is clearly stressed. This job is getting a little bit harder, but Ava is really going to take away this Heritage Cup match from him? Rizzo says Ava can’t do that, it’s already been advertised, and they can’t be liable for false advertising.

Ava says fine, she can’t cancel the match. But she can fine them, $20 THOUSAND! Oh, c’mon! But then Tony has everyone calm down, and Rizzo already has the money on hand. It’s all there, and then some. Ava might be able to spruce this place up a bit. Tony says Ava is tough but fair, and as far as tonight goes, no funny business. Ava accepts that, The D’Angelo Family heads out, but just what will happen when Charlie Dempsey gets a chance to go after The Don?

Malik Blade & Edris Enofe talk backstage.

It’s almost time for their match. Is Edris good? Huh? Oh, yeah. He’s just getting his mind right. Malik says Edris will get his mind right as long as they stick to the game plan, run circles around these guys and get the W. Edris has a rabbit’s foot, and promises he’ll be good. Brinley Reece hops in and asks if they’re good. They get their warm-ups in? Yeah, they’re ready. Brin takes Edris’ rabbit’s foot and says they don’t need it! They’re awesome! And they have her! Let’s get that W! Malik is fired up but Edris is still worried. Can Edris get out of his own head and finally get things on track?

Backstage interview with Shayna Baszler & Lola Vice.

Sarah Schreiber is with the Queen of Spaces and Mayor of Vice City, and notes the dominant win for Shayna over Karmen Petrovic last week. Shayna says she shouldn’t have to remind people, but all she knows is dominance. Shayna held the NXT Women’s Championship more total days than anyone in history! Everyone knew it was #TapNapOrSnap. So she obviously stayed to watch Roxanne Perez VS Chelsea Green, and is interested to see who faces Roxie for Battleground. Lola says so is she. She still owes Roxie from Vengeance day. And when Lola wins that title, she’ll break every record in the book.

Shayna wants to say more, but then Karmen goes after Lola! Those two brawl away, then Natty goes after Shayna! Other superstars rush in to stop this, only to end up collateral damage! Producers storm in now, what will it take to end things between all these combustible elements?

Malik Blade & Edris Enofe w/ Brinley Reece VS OTM w/ Jaida Parker!

NXT returns as Malik & Edris make their entrance, #BrinEnergy by their side. The teams sort out, Malik and Nima start. They tie up, go around, and Nima puts Blade on ropes. Malik avoids the haymaker, wags his finger, then gets a leg. Nima SMASHES Malik away, but Malik BOOTS him! Nima body shots, then ELBOWS Malik in the corner. Nima whips, Malik goes up but gets caught! Malik slips free, Edris tags in! Malik ducks ‘n’ dodges, Nima fights the drop toehold, but the BULLDOG hits! And then the JUMP ELBOW! The fans rally for Edris as he drops another elbow! And another! And then stops, shows off the abs, and JUMP ELBOWS! Cover, ONE!!

The fans rally, Edris brings Nima up but Nima RAMS Edris into the corner! Tag to Lucien Price, OTM whip to kitchen sink KNEE then STOMP! Cover, TWO! Edris toughs it out but Price stands him up. Price TOSSES Edris to a corner, but Edris dodges to fire off hands! Price puts Edris back in the corner to CLUB him! And CLUB him down! Tag to Nima, and OTM DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Malik makes the save! Malik & Edris throw hands with OTM, but OTM throw them! OTM whip, Edris & Malik dosido to then ROCK OTM! The fans fire up as Edris & Malik rain down fists! But they only get to five before OTM carry them out!

OTM want to be like AOP but Malik & Edris DOUBLE RANA! OTM crashes in the middle of the ring, and then DOUBLE DROPKICKS send them out! The fans fire up as Malik & Edris build speed, to DOUBLE FLY!! Down goes OTM and the fans fire up! Edris gets Nima in, Brin fires up and Edris whips. Nima reverses, Jaida trips Edris up! Nima WRECKER ELBOWS! So Brin goes after Jaida! They brawl, the guys get in there to break this up, but the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” OTM get Miss Parker back, Malik & Edris keep Brin back, and NXT goes to break.

NXT returns again and Nima hits an atomic FACEBUSTER on Edris! Nima stays between him and Malik, talks some smack, then stomps Edris around. The fans rally, but then Brin and Jaida get at each other again! This brawl goes to the ramp, the fans fire up, and now refs rush out here to stop this! Back in the ring, Nima is upset, but Edris fires body shots! Nima knees low, tags Price, and then he ROCKS Edris! Nima & Price go to the corner, DOUBLE FOREARMS! Edris flops down, Price covers, TWO! Price drags Edris up but Edris CHPOS! And ROCKS! And fires off hands! Price body shots hard!

Price whips, gets around Edris then clinches, for the URENAGE! Malik coaches Edris as he crawls but Price stalks Edris. Price gets down low, runs up and clotheslines in the corner! Price shoves Edris down, drags him around, and wheelbarrows into a modified crossface! Edris endures, the fans rally, even as Price lifts him! Edris throws elbows and he gets free! Price RAMS Edris into the corner! Tag to Nima, and Nima fires elbow after elbow! The ref counts, Nima lets off, and he tags Price back in. OTM whip, but Edris stops himself! Edris BOOTS Nima, dodges Price, hot tag to Malik! Malik rallies with big haymakers and CHOPS!

The fans fire up as Malik whips, but Price reverses! Price ducks, Malik ROCKS Nima! And BLOCKBUSTERS Price! OTM regroup but Malik goes up top! CROSSBODY! The fans fire up, Malik tags Edris in, but Edris points out his boot is a mess! Edris fireman’s carries, but Nima BOOTS Malik right outta the ring! Price lifts Edris but Edris slips free and DROPKICKS! Price falls out of the ring, OTM regroups, but Edris’ boot slows him down! Price gets back in to SUPERKICK! Nima tags in, OTM gets Edris up, GRAND THEFT AUTO! Cover, OTM wins!

Winners: OTM, by pinfall

Bad luck? Cursed? In their own heads? It’s hard to say, but Malik & Edris need to figure something out. As for Price & Nima, will they be the ones stepping to Nathan Frazer & Axiom for Battleground?

The Meta Four is with the medical staff.

Jakara & Oro want to know if Dar will be okay. Lash is preparing for her match as she watches this. The doc says he can’t clear Dar like this, he might be out indefinitely. Dar says he wants another opinion! Oro says he’ll step up! He can take out Je’Von Evans for Dar. Dar says he knows Je’Von attacked him in retaliation for Trick. Of course! Lash, why don’t you think it was Trick? Lash says she can’t deal with this, she has her match to focus on. Jakara reluctantly goes with Lash, will The Meta Four at least have some skin in the game for Battleground?

Nathan Frazer & Axiom talk with Ridge Holland backstage.

Look at Ridge the Fridge, joking around again, having a good time. Yes, he is having fun. But do they want the truth? Always. Then the truth is, Chase is a sound guy. All of Chase U is sound as a pound, and they’ve got things in common. Well, if Chase U want a match for the tag titles, Axiom & Frazer are open to it. But then in step The Good Brothers, and Karl Anderson jokingly says the champs keep ducking them. They see it. But Big LG, who is Ridge Holland? A loner with an anger problem. But more than that, he is a main roster talent who needs to leave NXT. nailed it! Ridge isn’t pure NXT!

Uh, unlike these two “divs,” Ridge started in NXT. So they can take their stupid little crusade somewhere else. Brother, you have no standing! Picking a fight with The OC is that anger talking. Why not use that anger, find a brother to team with, if he can, and they’ll kick Ridge outta NXT tonight! Problem is, angry boy doesn’t have friends, does he? Gallows & Anderson take their exit, but are they the ones going to be expelled back to main roster instead?

NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Ivy Nile VS Lash Legend w/ Jakara Jackson!

NXT returns as Lash makes her entrance, Miss Jackson by her side. The bell rings and Lash UPPERCUTS Ivy down! Cover, ONE! Lash gets Ivy up, talks trash, then runs Ivy over! Lash gets Ivy up to run her over again! Lash then hammerlocks to RAM Ivy into buckles! Ivy tumbles out to the floor, the fans are torn, but Jakara also talks some smack as Lash makes her way out. Lash gets Ivy up, clamps onto the arm, hammerlock and lift, APRON BACK SUPLEX! Ivy hobbles but Lash scoops her! Lash SLAMS Ivy on the floor! The fans rally, Jakara and Lash argue a bit, but Lash runs up on Ivy. Ivy moves and Lash hits steps!

Ivy goes to the apron, and she FLYING FOREARMS Lash down! Ivy puts Lash in, gets in Jakara’s face but Jakara backs off. Ivy climbs, the fans fire up, and Ivy CROSSBODIES! Ivy bounces off the landing, but she gets up to kick. Lash blocks, ducks another kick, but the ROUNDHOUSE hits! Ivy runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Lash away! The fans fire up, Ivy runs corner to corner to DROPKICK! And then runs in again, but Lash catches her to FLAPJACK off buckles! Lash runs in to SPLASH! Ivy flops down but Lash stands her up. Lash climbs to rain down fists! Ivy blocks one, and YANKS Lash into buckles!

Lash wobbles up top, but Ivy GAMANGIRIS! The fans duel, Ivy goes up and she fires forearms! Lash leans back, Ivy adjusts position and brings Lash back up. But Lash choke grips, and she SUPER CHOKE- BULLDOG!! Cover, TWO!! Lash survives and Jakara is relieved! Ivy drags Lash back up, but Lash shoves her away! Ivy comes back, but Lash stops the tilt-o-whirl! Lash swings Ivy around but Ivy slips free to then get the DIAMOND DRAGON!! Lash flails, they go to ropes, Jakara anchors Ivy’s foot for the ROPEBREAK! Lash is fere, but Ivy BOOTS Jakara! Lash FLAPJACKS Ivy, then BOOTS her down! Cover, Lash wins!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall (advances to NXT Battleground)

The fans boo because they know how Lash got that win. But even so, will Lash make herself a legend by climbing the ladder and bringing the title down?

Backstage interview with Je’Von Evans.

Sarah talks with the Young OG, and wants to ask, did he attack Noam Dar? What? Whoa, whoa, whoa. You know that ain’t his energy. And it ain’t Trick’s energy, either. Honestly, who knows who attacked Dar. But what Je’Von does know is that he’s up next, and it’s about to get real bouncy! Je’Von heads out, will he get even for Trick the right way? Or will Meta Four mess him over the same way they just did Ivy Nile?

Ava Raine returns to her office.

But before she reaches her door, Carlee Bright hurries over. Carlee knows it isn’t her place, but she wants a match with Lola Vice tonight! And yeah, she’s the new girl, but she has been grinding on Level Up, has broken up many a locker room fight, and she gave it her all in the combine! Yes, she did. Ava has the point breakdown right here, Carlee was thirteenth. If she was just a little faster or jumped a little higher, she might’ve gotten in. And she was even faster than Tatum and stronger than Brinley. Speaking of Tatum, she peeks out from behind the blinds in Ava’s office… Ava approves of the match, and Carlee thanks her. She just wants her chance to prove herself.

Ava says Carlee deserves it. Carlee VS Lola is on! And then Ava gets a phone call, taking her away from her office. What in the world is Tatum doing sneaking around this time?

Oro Mensah w/ The Meta Four VS Je’Von Evans!

Main Man Mensah wants to avenge the Scottish Supernova, assuming there was ever an attack to begin with. But will he be Noam Dar’s knight in shining arm? Or will the Young OG make him look more like Don Quixote?

Oro attacks before the bell! The fans boo as Oro CLUBS Evans around! Evans throws body shots back but Oro CLUBS him! Lash finally returns out here, and Oro asks what took her so long. Lash & Jakara both cheer Oro on but Evans fires shots back! The fans rally as Evans whips, but Oro reverses to CLUB and kick! Evans blocks, flips Oro, then dropkicks him! The fans cheer, and Evans waits on Oro. Oro swings, Evans gets under but Oro fights the back suplex with elbows! Oro SCRAPES Evans’ face on the ropes! Oro shoves Evans, runs, and springboards to QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! Oro argues the count but the count was fair.

Oro drags Evans up, suplexes, but Evans knees free! Oro shoves Evans away, runs up, but Evans goes up and out! Then he slingshots under and goes back up, to FLYING RANA! Oro staggers up, into a DROPKICK! Evans covers, TWO! Meta Four is relieved, but Evans waits for Oro to get up. Evans runs, springboards, but Oro stops the rana to TOSS Evans out of the ring! Evans hits the floor, Oro says he’s cold-blooded, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Evans flounders, Oro goes out and he stomps Evans. Oro drags Evans up just to CLUB him down. Oro puts Evans in the ring, drags him up, and EXPLODERS! Evans writhes, Oro soaks up the heat, and then drops a knee on Evans’ face! Oro stalks Evans to a corner, CHOPS him, and Evans flops back. Oro stomps Evans, drags him up, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Oro is frustrated but he clamps onto Evans with a chinlock. Oro grinds Evans down but Evans endures. Evans fights up, throws body shots, but Oro knees low! Oro CLUBS Evans, UPPERCUTS, but Evans catches him for a backslide! TWO!

Evans ducks ‘n’ dodges, goes up, but Oro kicks the ropes out from under him! Evans hits the mat hard! Oro then PENALTY KICKS Evans down! Oro drags Evans back up, hammerlocks and ripcords for a ROLLING KICK! Cover, TWO!! Evans survives and Oro is furious! Even Lash & Jakara argue the count, but Oro drags Evans up again. Oro THRWOS Evans into ropes! Oro drags Evans back up, whips him to a corner, then runs in, but Evans ELBOWS him back! Evans then puts Oro on the apron, swings, but Oro HOTSHOTS him down! Oro goes up, and he stands on Evans’ head! The ref counts, Oro steps off, and aims from the apron.

Oro springboards to FLYING KICK! Cover, TWO!! Evans survives again and Oro is shocked! Oro drags Evans around, NXT returns to single picture, and Oro CLUBS away on Evans! Evans throws body shots in return, stands back up, throws more hands, then CHOPS! Forearm! Oro kicks a leg, STEP PUNCH, and then runs, but Evans dodges, only for Oro to ROLING KICK! The fans boo but Oro hooks Evans with a leg to get him up, ALLEY-OOPER! Cover, TWO!! Oro is losing his mind as Evans survives again! Evans goes to the apron, Oro storms after him and drags him up. Oro CLUBS Evans, then drags him in.

Evans pushes back, blocks a kick, then he DECKS Oro! The fans fire up and Evans fires up with them! Evans climbs, Oro hurries up after him! Oro fires forearms, Evans gives them back! Oro CLUBS Evans, CLUBS him again, but Evans throws body shots! Evans CHOPS, Oro CLUBS, and Evans drops back. Evans GAMANGIRIS and Oro falls! The fans fire up, Evans springboards, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Evans finally gets bouncy! Evans grits his teeth, storms up and he fires hands on Oro! Evans CHOPS, ROCKS, but Oro kicks the leg! Oro fires forearm after forearm but Evans UPPERCUTS! Evans CHOPS, Oro CHOPS, repeat!

Evans fires hands, STEP PUNCH of his own, and goes to run, but Oro reels him in! Oro swings, Evans ducks but the ELBOW hits! Oro runs, springboards, but Evans gets clear! Evans springboards, FLYING CUTTER!! Oro flounders right out of the ring! The fans boo but that’s a savvy move! Evans doesn’t care, he just FLIES!! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans are loving this! Jakara & Lash plot, Evans puts Oro in the ring and gets him up. Oro LARIATS! “This is Awesome!” and Jakara distracts the ref! This lets Lash go looking under the ring! Lash gest a chair out, but then TRICK WILLIAMS is here! Trick gets Lash to put the chair down and Oro is furious!

Oro throws down hands on Evans, gets him up and sets him up, BLINDSIDER ELBOW!! Oro snarls, drags Evans up and reels him in. Oro stares Trick down, gets Evans up, but Evans fires fists! Oro throws Evans away but Evans BOTS, HEEL KICKS, and winds up, but Oro STEP PUNCHES again!! Evans staggers to a corner, Oro runs up, and Oro blocks a boot! But Evans SUPERKICKS through! Oro falls, Evans goes up! HOLY IN THE ROAD!! Cover, Evans wins!!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall

Trick evened the odds against Meta Four, and the Young OG gets a massive win! Trick celebrates with Evans, but what will Meta Four do in retaliation for this?

Backstage interview with Charlie Dempsey.

Kelly Kincaid asks him what his strategy will be tonight, now that The Catch Clause is null and void. And also, were are Damon & Myles? Dempsey says he’s been in contact with them, and assures us that they’re on their way tonight. But they’re both in rough shape after what the D’Angelo Family did. Dempsey could cry about it, or he could fight. Look at his face. He’s never cried a day in his life! This Cup is staying with the NQCC, Dempsey will beat Tony within an inch of his life for everything that he’s done! The Son of the Gentleman Villain is not going to be a gentle man tonight, will The Don just have to leave here emptyhanded?

Wes Lee is here!

The fans fire up as The Cardiac Kid makes his way to the ring. Wes gets the mic and says “The last time that I was in this ring with a mic, things were a bit different to say the least. Now, I was in one of the darkest times of my life. And I honestly didn’t even know if I was gonna make it back out here to y’all. But everyone knows how much I love NXT.” The fans cheer that! And they all know how much that North American Championship means to him, right? When he lost that title, it was like it set off a chain reaction that made him wonder if his career was over completely. “But this… All of this. I missed this!” The fans cheer that, too!

The fans chant back, “We Missed You!” Wes smiles and says he missed this so much that two days after his major surgery, he was up and walking again. And a few weeks after that, he was back in the gym, busting his ass! And yes, he struggled. Yes, it was hard. But he was focused on one goal: to get back here! Wes was supposed to miss nearly a YEAR, but he fought, and in only six months, he is back here, feeling this amazing energy! The fans cheer that, too! Wes honestly isn’t sure what else to say. The fans cheer him on, but then here comes Oba Femi! Oba tells Wes, “I’m actually not here to cut you down. I’m rather impressed. I’m very, very impressed with you, and I’ve always been.

“The heights that you took this title to during your historic North American Championship reign is nothing short of an accomplishment.” The fans applaud that. But Wes took it as far as he can! Now he gets to sit back to watch Oba take the title to heights Wes was never capable of! Oba will say the trials and tribulations Wes overcome are proof he has the heart of a lion and the spirit of a warrior. But Oba IS a warrior! And he is The Ruler, the Destroyer, the Bringer of War! The Mountain You Cannot Climb, the Mountain You Cannot Conquer! But clearly, Wes wants his opportunity right. After everything Wes said, damn right he does.

Then Wes must do what he does best: prove yourself worthy of the title that was once yours! Wes tells Oba that it is clear Oba checks every single box of what a champion should look like. The size, the speed, the brute strength matched by only his freakish athleticism. Wes may not check all those boxes, but- Now Ivar interrupts! And the Viking Raider tells Wes that everyone is excited to have Wes back, including him! Because Ivar knows exactly what it is like to come back from a severe injury. Ivar went through all the same things Wes did. In fact, they have the same spinal surgeon. Shoutout to Dr. Cordover.

But Wes, when Ivar came back, he had to fight for everything that he got! And he knows that Wes isn’t afraid to fight for everything he gets, too. Wes wants his shot at Oba, Ivar wants his shot at Oba, and- Oh, here comes Josh Briggs! And he says, “Well boys, it looks like we’re in a little bit of a pickle. You guys are all just so emotional! Wes with your comeback story of the year, and Ivar showing the whole world who you really are behind the paint and the Viking calls. But boys, this is a MAN’s game. So lemme throw some facts out to you.” Briggs says at Stand & Deliver, the biggest event in NXT history, Oba and Briggs tore the house down! They stole the show!

But Oba and Briggs both know how close Briggs came to taking the title, with broken ribs. But his ribs are healed, time to run that back. And once Briggs is champion, Wes and Ivar, he’ll throw you guys a bone. Oba says all of them have very compelling arguments. Wes says if Oba is The Ruler he says he is, then why not make this a Fatal 4? The fans like the sound of that! Briggs doesn’t mind that, either. Oba says this is why he is champion and Wes is not! Oba steps out, and he steps away, before telling them to fight amongst themselves. Then the winner gets their opportunity against Oba. Well, a Triple Threat is almost as good. Who defies the odds to then step to Oba?

Backstage interview with Ridge Holland.

Kelly finds Ridge alone, apologizes for interrupting his preparations, but notes we’ve seen him do this before. Is he really planning on going out there alone against The Good Brothers? But then Chase U steps in! Ridge doesn’t have to fight this fight alone. Ridge thanks Chase for this, and says it means so much to him that Andre Chase will be his partner. Yes, but actually, Chase was thinking this would be good for Ridge and Riley to work together. What? Riley is surprised but Ridge says this is perfect! He has to earn Riley’s trust and respect, so here it is! Thea says it’s a #TeachableMoment! Riley says fine, see you out there.

Chase U heads out, will Turbo Terry be able to make it work with Yorkshire Grit? Or will NXT be feeling Just Too Sweet?

The snoring continues.

But then the alarm goes off! Time to wake up! But just who is getting up out of bed?

Lexis King talks with prospects backstage.

Not that anyone was talking to him in the first place… But he asks if it’s just him, or has he been on fire lately? Just last week, he beat Big Dookie. And don’t get him started on his big win over Baron Corbin at Spring Breakin’. In fact, he’s feeling so good, maybe after this weekend’s event at Fort Pierce, he takes everyone out for a good time? It’ll be hot! Jazmyn Nyx walks in and Lexis asks what brings her over. She wants people to sign the Get Well Soon card for Jacy Jayne. Thea Hail broke Jacy’s nose! And now, Jazmyn wants the whole roster to sign. Who’s first? Wait, a card for Jacy? No thanks.

The others leave and Jazmyn asks what the heck. Lexis agrees, what the heck? This lovely lady just wants something signed for her friend! Don’t worry about those losers, anyway. And Jamie wouldn’t care about them anyway. Uh, it’s Jacy. Yeah, her, too. Lexis signs the card, and that’s one. Will it be the only one? And then he wrote “Jackie” anyway! Idiot! Lexis’ ego aside, will Jazmyn ever get over her own and understand who’s the villain in this story?

The Good Brothers VS Ridge Holland & Riley Osborne w/ Chase U!

NXT returns as Chase U enters with Ridge under the black ‘n’ red! The teams sort out, Ridge starts against Luke Gallows, and they circle. They tie up, go around, and Ridge headlocks. Gallows powers up and out, but Ridge RAMSA shoulders with him! Ridge runs again to RAM, and RAM, but then Gallows ROCKS Ridge! Gallows fireman’s carries, but Ridge slips free! Ridge RAMS Gallows again, then he fireman’s carries! Gallows fights free, knees low, and whips. Ridge ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Gallows! The fans fire up, Ridge wrenches and brings Gallows over. Riley tags in, goes up, and he DOUBLE STOMPS Gallows’ arm!

Riley wrenches, Gallows ROCKS him, then wrenches back. Gallows tags Karl Anderson, and the Machine Gun KICKS the arm! Anderson wrenches and wrangles Riley but Riley fights up. The fans rally, Riley spins and whips Anderson, but Anderson reverses. Riley goes up and up then leaps over! Riley keeps moving, rolls off Anderson’s back and he DROPKICKS Anderson down! Gallows barks at Riley, Riley triangle jump DROPKICKS him! Then STANDING SHOOTING STAR onto Anderson! Cover, TWO! Riley facelocks to keep Anderson down, then he brings Anderson over. Riley’s reluctant but he does reach out, only for Anderson to wrench free! SPINEBUSTER!

Anderson fires up, covers, TWO! Riley is still in this but Anderson throws down hands! Anderson drags Riley up by an ear, tags Gallows in, and the Good Brothers mug Riley. Gallows hammers away on Riley, stomps him, then drags Riley back up. Gallows scoops to SLAM, then he throws down elbows! Gallows clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Riley. Riley endures, the fans rally up, and Riley fights up. But Gallows throws Riley down by his hair! Tag to Anderson, he drags Riley up, and Anderson whips Riley to a corner hard! The fans fire up as Anderson whips Riley back in hard! Riley falls, Chase U coaches him, but Anderson keeps Riley from Ridge.

Anderson bumps Riley off buckles, tags Gallows, and Gallows UPPERCUTS! Riley staggers, falls over, and Gallows tags Anderson. The Good Brothers double whip Riley to a corner, but Riley goes up and WHISPER IN THE WIND! The fans fire up as Riley crawls! Anderson grabs a foot, Riley kicks free, hot tag to Ridge! Ridge rallies on the Good Brothers, and he POUNCES Anderson! Anderson gets up, Ridge blocks one punch then the other! HEADBUTT, into the DEADBOLT SUPLEX! Ridge then hauls Anderson up to scoop and YORKSHIRE GRIT!! Cover, Gallows breaks it! Riley runs up but into an UPPERCUT!

Gallows puts Riley outside, Riley RAMS in! Gallows UPPERCUTS Riley down! Ridge SPLASHES Gallows! And SPLASHES Anderson! Alabama Lift, Riley springboards in, but Gallows moves! Riley’s dropkick hits Ridge! Anderson sunset flips! GOOD BROTHERS WIN!

Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall

Chase U is stunned! Snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory right there, and Ridge is upset with Riley! Mr. Chase is also upset but he keeps everyone calm. Will they just have to work on teamwork before trying again?

Lola Vice w/ Shayna Baszler VS Carlee Bright!

The Mayor of Vice City may want another go at Roxanne Perez, but clearly Karmen Petrovic wants after her, and their fight caught Carlee in the crossfire. Will Lola just take her frustrations out on unlucky number 13? Or does NXT have a Bright future ahead of it?

The bell rings and the two circle. Lola then KICKS Carlee’s leg right out! Lola shows off that she’s a Latina, but Carlee gets up. Lola gets a leg, trips Carlee, and then turns her, but Carlee turns that into a somersault clutch! ONE, but Carlee ghost pins! ONE, but Carlee Oklahoma Rolls! TWO! Lola hurries up but Carlee clinches. Carlee headlocks, Lola powers out, but Carlee blocks hip toss to get a leg up. Lola powers out but Carlee flips back! Carlee ducks ‘n’ dodges to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Carlee runs up to run Lola over! Lola goes toa corner, Carlee runs in but is put on the apron. Carlee ROCKS Lola, but Lola ROUNDHOUSES Carlee!

Lola snarls, runs up and AX KICKS Carlee down! Natty & Karmen are watching backstage while Lola gets Carlee up. Lola UPPERCUTS, and Karmen storms off. Natty follows, are they heading for gorilla? Lola UPPERCUTS Carlee again, and is almost toying with Carlee at this point. Lola winds up, but Carlee turns the uppercut into a backslide! TWO, and Lola BODY SHOTS! Carlee sputters, Lola drags her up to knee low again and again! Carlee falls over, Lola soaks up the heat. Lola drags Carlee around, steps on her, and shows off again. Shayna says just get the job done already. Carlee rolls Lola up! TWO!!

Lola swings, Carlee dodges, then dodges again! Lola hobbles from getting caught up in ropes, and Carlee starts rallying! Carlee DROPKICKS and the fans fire up! Carlee runs in to HANDSPRING KICK int he corner! Lola falls, Carlee STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Carlee hurries up the corner, and she leaps, into a THRUST KICK! URAKEN!! Cover, Lola wins!

Winner: Lola Vice, by pinfall

Lola finally says buenas noches to Carlee, but then she drags Carlee up for more! But then here come Natty & Karmen! They fire off, ROUNDHOUSE for Lola! And DISCUS LARIATS for them both!! Lola & Shayna run away, refs rush out here, and Karmen dares her to come back! Natty gets the mic and asks where they’re going! Isn’t Lola the baddest in NXT? Isn’t Shayna the baddest in all the WWE? Karmen snatches the mic to say they’re finishing this! A tag match between them all, next week! Natty likes the sound of that. Will The BOAT and the blackbelt finally sink Lola & Shayna?

Ridge regroups with Chase U backstage.

Riley apologizes, that was on him this time. Ridge says don’t worry. It was an accident, those happen. No hard feelings here. And Ridge hopes he earned Riley’s respect and trust. Chase U says yeah, and Thea hugs Ridge. Ridge and Riley shake hands on it, and Chase says one day at a time. Thea says Riley has to believe Ridge now! Riley says yeah, he’s starting to trust. Will Chase U rise with Ridge as they all work to get back to the top?

NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Charlie Dempsey!

From taking care of one “problem” for the No Quarter Catch Crew to having a problem with the No Quarter Catch Crew, The Don has had enough of this! Will he take the Heritage Cup as compensation? Or will Dempsey find a way to survive, even without the Catch Clause?

The introductions are made, the cup is raised, and we see who pays for their crimes!

The bell rings on round one and the two tie up. Tony pushes Dempsey down, gator rolls him to a cover, ONE! Dempsey remembers right away that Tony knows the graps. The two tie up again, Dempsey waistlocks, spins Tony to get an arm and wrench, but Tony rolls free to trip Dempsey. Tony has a toehold but Dempsey kicks free. Dempsey runs back up but Tony steps over, rolls him to a cover, TWO! The fans rally as the two reset and circle. They tie up, Tony gets right under Dempsey and hits a SLAM! Tony gets around to waistlock, Dempsey rolls and moves around but Tony stays right on him! They go to the ROPEBREAK, and Tony lets off.

The fans rally while Dempsey grows frustrated. The two reset, tie up, and Tony headlocks. We’re under 90 seconds, but Dempsey cravats! Dempsey snapmares, makes it a cover, TWO! Tonty throws a knee but Dempsey cranks on the neck wrench! Tony rolls but Dempsey still holds on! Tony keeps trying, Dempsey keeps the cravat. Tony throws body shots, powers up and out, then hip tosses! Cover, TWO! Dempsey facelocks then cravats! Tony fights up, we’re under 40 seconds. Tony powers out, Dempsey RAMPS him! Dempsey runs to run Tony over, and he keeps moving! Tony hurdles, but Dempsey turns hip toss into a spin, full nelson, but Tony drops! Somersault clutch, TONY SCORES!

Dempsey: 0; Tony: 1

Dempsey can’t believe he got caught! And with just 15 seconds to spare! But now we’re in the rest period, and Tony’s feeling good as NXT goes picture in picture.

Dempsey has no one as a cornerman but he still refreshes with a drink of water. Tony has the whole family, but he’s feeling good. The two are ready, and the second round begins. They circle, tie up, and Dempsey waistlocks, Dempsey spins Tony, picks a leg, trips Tony and floats to a double knuckle lock cover. ONE as Tony gets up, and now it’s a test of strength! They stand, fight for control, and Tony bends Dempsey back! The shoulders are down, TWO as Dempsey bridges! Tony forces him down, TWO as an arm goes up! Tony hops on for a cover, TWO as Dempsey bridges again! Tony hops off, Dempsey kips up, and he pwoers Tony back, for a MONKEY FLIP!

Dempsey rolls back, Tony fights up but Dempsey has him in a straitjacket stretch! Tony fights against it but Dempsey brings him to his knees. Tony endures as Dempsey pulls on the arms, and Tony fights to his feet. Tony turns things around but Dempsey turns them back, Tony’s back in the straitjacket! Tony powers up, powers things around, and he has Dempsey in the straitjacket! Dempsey bridges, slips around, Tony’s in the jacket! Tony arm-drags free and Dempsey goes ot the apron! Tony runs up but Dempsey RAMS into him! SLINGSHOT SUNSET! But Tony grabs a handful of hair to punch Dempsey right in the head!

Dempsey scrambles away, Tony whips him to a corner hard, and Dempsey falls to the mat. NXT returns to single picture as we go under a minute in this round. Tony gets Dempsey up, whips him to the other corner, and Dempsey again hits buckles hard! Tony stalks Dempsey, but Dempsey throws body shots! Dempsey throws an uppercut! Tony throws a forearm! UUPPERCUT! UPPERCUT! HAYMAKER! Both men keep throwing shots, we’re under 30 seconds! Dempsey rebounds to UPPERCUT! Tony kicks low! Dempsey KNEES low! Twenty seconds as Dempsey underhooks! Tony fights, moves around, ten seconds!

Dempsey BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES, into the ARMBAR!! Time’s up, Tony’s saved by the bell!

Dempsey: 0; Tony: 1

Dempsey holds on for a few seconds, but he lets off. Dempsey smirks as he refreshes, but the family helps Tony. Tony still has that critical first point, and now we enter the third. The two circle again, Tony wary of the bad arm. Dempsey wants it but Tony slips away. Tony manages to fireman’s carry, but Dempsey pulls on the bad arm! Dempsey hammerlocks and RAMS Tony into buckles! Tony hobbles, Dempsey wernches to UPPERCUT the arm! Dempsey wernches to UPEPRCUT again! Tony ROCKS Dempsey in return! Tony just powers Dempsey down, but Dempsey has the arm again! ARMBAR!!

Tony clasps hands to fight back, but Dempsey pulls! Tony stacks but that makes it a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tony stacks, TWO, and he deadlifts Dempsey! Dempsey lets go to get the FUJIWARA!! Tony endures, the fans and the family rally, and Tony rolls to a cover! TWO, Dempsey BOOTS the bad arm! And SWATS the other arm! Dempsey waistlocks, Tony drops down, but Dempsey stifles the somersault into a cover! TWO and Tony somersaults, TWO! Tonyh runs up, but Dempsey turns that into a backslide! AND BRIDGE! TWO, Tony has the sunset! TWO, and both men stand! Tony fireman’s carry for a standing throw!

Tony fireman’s carries and he throws Dempsey again! We’re at one minute as Tony runs in at the corner! Dempsey dodges, Tony POSTS himself! Dempsey then GERMAN SUPELXES! Bridging cover, Dempsey scores!

Dempsey: 1; Tony: 1

We’re all tied up at the halfway point, and the family hurries Tony back to his corner. Both men refresh, time for round four! Dempsey runs up to UPPERCUT! Dempsey CHOPS the arm, CLUBS it, wrenches, ELBOW BREAKER! ARM WRINGER! Dempsey stomps Tony around, then clamps on for a cover. TWO, but Dempsey stays on Tony with HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! A Blackpool special! Dempsey then top wristlocks to STOMP the bad arm! Dempsey gets Tony up, UPPERCUTS, and then he brings Tony around to WRING the arm again! Dempsey kicks Tony around, but Tony ROCKS him in return!

Tony fires hands, but Dempsey throat chops! Two minutes, and Dempsey hits a half hatch takedown! SHORT ARM SCISSOR! Tony endures as Dempsey grinds that arm! The fans rally, Tony fights around, but Dempsey rolls to throw him down! The fans continue to rally as Tony continues to endure! Tony rolls back, stacks Dempsey, TWO! Dempsey still has the arm! Tony reaches out, Dempsey drags him from rpoes! TRIANGLE HOLD! We’re at one minute, Tony tries to stack! Dempsey keeps his shoulder sup, so Tony deadlifts and POWERBOMBS free! The fans rally up for Tony as he and Dempsey go to opposite corners.

Tony storms over but Dempsey CHOPS! Tony LARIATS! Dempsey is up, Tony DECKS him! And DECKS him again! Thirty seconds, BELLY2BELLYU! Dempseys taggers, Tony gets him for another BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up with Tony and he gets Dempsey up. Ten seconds! Tony whips, SPINEBUSTERS! But he crawls to the cover! Dempsey’s saved by the bell!!

Dempsey: 1; Tony: 1

Round five and the window is still open for The Don! He refreshes while Dempsey barely gets to his feet. The round begins, Tony runs in to CLOBBER Dempsey! Cover, TWO! Tony waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! But he can’t hold onto the bridge! WAIT, Damon Kemp & Myles Borne attack Stacks & Luca!! They’re a mess but that’s because of The D’Angelo Family! The brawl is own, the fans boo, but Myles sends Stacks into steel steps! Tony hurries out to DECK Myles! Then he DECKS Kemp! Myles runs away, Tony pursues! The ref reprimands, Dempsey goes after Tony, but Tony DECKS him! Dempsey is dazed and Tony is pissed!

Myles runs up but Tony TOSSES him out! Dempsey O’Conner Rolls into the bridge! TWO! KNEE!! BUTTERFLY- NO, Tony fights free, FOGEDABOUTIT!! Cover, Tony wins!!

Winner: Tony D’Angelo, by pinfall (NEW NXT Heritage Cup Champion)

The No Quarter Catch Crew ended up paying after all, but with their blood, sweat and the Heritage Cup! The Don brings about the dawn of a new age, will the D’Angelo Family finally start to take over?

Wait, someone is down backstage! Again!!

And this time, it’s Wes Lee, Josh Briggs, and Ivar! But who took out all three contenders? GALLUS?! Joe Coffey says, “Surprise, surprise! Look at that! This is just the start!” Joe Coffey, Markus and Wolfgang all head out, are they going to stop at nothing until NXT is finally their kingdom?

My Thoughts:

A wild episode of NXT with a lot of great build towards Battleground but also in building up the roster after the WWE Draft changed some things. Dar was of course framing Trick Williams with the “attack” on him, the camera did a good job showing Dar’s frown at Lash. But Meta Four isn’t kicking Lash out just yet as Jakara helped Lash cheat her way into the ladder match. However, they might do that after Battleground given how Lash chose to stop when Trick showed up. Oro VS Evans was an awesome match all the same, and great win for Evans. It feels like we could get a tag match of Trick & Evans VS Dar & Oro, if Dar were to “miraculously” recover from his injury.

Good promo from Kiana and Izzi as Kiana’s goodbye moment. Sol VS Izzi was really good stuff, and great win for Sol. Great development going towards Brinley VS Jaida next week as they just couldn’t leave each other alone during the tag match. OTM wins because of Edris’ jinx storyline, and it’s only a matter of time before Edris loses his mind over it. Good promo from Shayna and Lola that turned into a brawl, and great use of that brawl to give us the Level Up graduation of Carlee Bright. Also, Tatum sneaking around in Ava’s office, is she going to force Ava to make Roxie VS Tatum 1v1 for the title? That’d make sense given Tatum’s obsession has moved on from Lyra.

Good showing from Carlee against Lola but of course Lola won. We’re finally getting a tag match of Shayna & Lola VS Natty & Karmen, and this is probably the blowoff. I’m thinking Shayna finally gets sick of Lola and ditches her so that Karmen gets the win. Good little promo from Lexis and Jazmyn to add to how both are deluded, but to where even Jazmyn thinks Lexis is a doofus. And if it wasn’t clear last week, the mysterious snoring is Wendy Choo, and now that her alarm’s gone off, she’s totally coming back. Here’s hoping she gets something good this time around, especially with two women’s soon in play.

Good promo from Ridge, Axiom & Frazer with The Good Brothers, and I figured Chase U would step in. I thought it was gonna be Duke, but it does make more sense to put Riley with Ridge because they’re the ones with the issue. It naturally didn’t work out, but I do like that it was Riley with the mistake, it turns things around from Ridge messing things up. But at the same time, there’s so much to this where Ridge could be using this just to trick Chase U and reveal he’s really aligned with Shawn Spears. At the same time, it could still be Riley is feeling jaded because the others are more supportive of Ridge than they are of him, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Really good promo from The D’Angelo Family with Ava, and really clever that Tony was more than ready to pay the fine. Good promo from Dempsey, and he even planted the seed for that surprise attack by Kemp & Borne. I was still hoping Tony would win by knockout, but I suppose since he’s never knocked anyone out with a right hand, he wasn’t gonna do that here. Tony is new Heritage Cup champ, not sure who’d be next, but maybe there will be a rematch with The NQCC first. And then great promo segment from Wes, Oba, Ivar and Briggs. While Wes brought up a Fatal 4, I already figured the Triple Threat was more likely.

And then, Gallus attacking the three of them, what a wild way to end the night! Joe Coffey might get in the contender’s match to make it a Fatal 4 Way, but something about that just doesn’t make sense. I don’t see Joe Coffey taking the title off Oba, but I would love seeing The Coffey Brothers get the tag titles. At the same time, they’ve got a score to settle with Ridge Holland, maybe they have a Six Man Tag against Ridge & Chase U before going for any gold.

My Score: 8.9/10